A new bike lane — in just months

For those who think it takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get any kind of transportation project built in San Francisco, here’s proof that it can be done quickly:

The Municipal Transportation Agency announced this week that it will build a buffered bike lane and shortened pedestrian crossings on a seven-block stretch of Folsom Street — from Fourth to Eleventh streets by eliminating a lane of traffic. By the end of the year. Yes: 2013.

How can this be in a city that debates, plans then re-plans everything to death? Take the proposed Polk Street bike lane and pedestrian safety changes — planned for years, debated for months and, once a plan is finally worked out, scheduled for construction in 2015.

Well, first of all the plan is a so-called pilot program, meaning that it is, at least in theory, temporary. So, instead of concrete and asphalt, it will involve a lot of green paint, which speeds up the construction process considerably. Perhaps most important, it does not take away any parking — the big topic of controversy on Polk Street — just one of the four lanes of traffic.

According to MTA spokesman Paul Rose, the plan was concocted using designs suggested by the public during South of Market community planning meetings.

Agency officials say that bicycling along the street has swelled over the past seven years and is sixth busiest bike route in the city. With huge residential and office growth planned for the area, said Supervisor Jane Kim, “This pilot project is critical to boosting safety and travel for both cyclists and pedestrians.”

Mayor Ed Lee also weighed in, saying the project will not only improve safety and alter the area’s infrastructure but help transform the transportation culture.

“It helps us create roadways where different modes of transportation can coexist,” he said.

But before the project is built, er, painted, a community hearing will be held. And you know what that could mean.